ASUS has launched a new ROG NUC 16 configuration that combines an Intel Core Ultra 9 290HX processor with NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070 Ti laptop graphics inside a compact 3 liter chassis.
The small form factor gaming PC is priced at $3,117 and includes 32 GB of DDR5 6400 memory along with a 1 TB NVMe SSD.
Its high price places it firmly in the premium category, but the hardware is unusually powerful for a desktop this small.
ASUS ROG NUC 16 specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Processor | Intel Core Ultra 9 290HX |
| CPU cores | 24 |
| Performance cores | 8 |
| Efficiency cores | 16 |
| Graphics | GeForce RTX 5070 Ti Laptop GPU |
| VRAM | 12 GB GDDR7 |
| Memory | 32 GB DDR5 6400 |
| Maximum memory | 64 GB |
| Storage | 1 TB NVMe SSD |
| Maximum storage | 4 TB |
| Chassis volume | 3 liters |
| Ethernet | 2.5 Gigabit |
| Wireless | Wi Fi 7 |
| Bluetooth | 5.4 |
| Price | $3,117 |
The system is designed for buyers who want high end gaming performance without using a conventional mid tower desktop.
Core Ultra 9 290HX provides 24 CPU cores
At the center of the ROG NUC 16 is Intel's Core Ultra 9 290HX.
The processor includes eight performance cores and 16 efficiency cores for a total of 24 cores.
That configuration gives the system enough CPU resources for demanding games while also making it suitable for heavier productivity workloads.
The processor is paired with 32 GB of DDR5 6400 memory as standard.
ASUS allows the memory capacity to be expanded to 64 GB, which gives buyers more room for workloads such as content creation, development or applications that require larger amounts of system RAM.
Storage starts at 1 TB through an NVMe SSD and can be expanded to as much as 4 TB.
RTX 5070 Ti brings 12 GB of GDDR7 memory
Graphics performance comes from NVIDIA's GeForce RTX 5070 Ti Laptop GPU.
The mobile Blackwell GPU includes 12 GB of GDDR7 memory, giving the ROG NUC 16 considerably more graphics capability than most mini PCs that rely only on integrated graphics.
The use of a laptop class GPU allows ASUS to fit significantly stronger gaming hardware into the limited thermal and physical space of the 3 liter enclosure.
The compact format does mean buyers should not expect the same upgrade flexibility found in a full size desktop with a standard graphics card.
The tradeoff is a much smaller footprint that can fit into spaces where a normal gaming tower would be inconvenient.
Extensive display connectivity supports multi monitor setups
Despite its size, the ROG NUC 16 provides a substantial collection of ports.
The rear includes a Thunderbolt 4 USB C connection with DisplayPort 2.1 support.
There are also four USB 3.2 Gen 2 USB A ports, two HDMI 2.1 outputs and two dedicated DisplayPort 2.1 connections.
That gives the machine several options for connecting high resolution or high refresh rate displays.
A 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet port is also located at the rear for wired networking.
The front adds another two USB 3.2 Gen 2 USB A ports, one USB C connection and a 3.5 mm combination audio jack.
Wi Fi 7 supports speeds up to 5.8 Gbps
Wireless networking is handled by an Intel Killer Wi Fi 7 BE1750x adapter.
It supports the 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz and 6 GHz bands, with rated wireless speeds reaching up to 5.8 Gbps under suitable conditions.
Bluetooth 5.4 is included for wireless peripherals such as headsets, controllers and keyboards.
The combination of Wi Fi 7 and 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet gives buyers a choice between fast wired and wireless networking depending on their setup.
Compact size comes with a premium price
The main challenge for the ROG NUC 16 is its $3,117 price.
At that level, buyers can also consider larger desktop systems with desktop class CPUs and GPUs, often with easier component replacement and future upgrades.
The ROG NUC 16 is therefore aimed at a narrower audience where size matters as much as performance.
Its 3 liter chassis makes it substantially smaller than a traditional gaming tower while still offering a 24 core Intel processor, RTX 5070 Ti graphics, 32 GB of memory and modern connectivity.
For buyers who specifically need a powerful PC with a very small footprint, the ROG NUC 16 offers an uncommon combination of size and performance. The cost, however, makes compactness one of the most important reasons to choose it over a conventional gaming desktop.
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